Endothelium function in sepsis

Endothelial cells can be the prime target for an infection and infected end othelial cells may serve as an initiating system for a systemic response as these cells are able to secrete many mediators known to be of paramount im portance. Endothelial cell functions in turn are regulated by these circula ting mediators. Cellular interactions with leukocytes revealed protective a nd destructive functions. Single cell and animal studies indicate that endo thelial permeability is increased and apart from clinical obvious edema for mation in septic patients, the endothelial component remains unknown. Endot helial coagulation activation has been shown in vitro, however human data s upporting an endothelial procoagulatory state are lacking. Defects in endot helium dependent vasoregulation in animal models are well known and again h uman studies are largely missing. An imbalanced production of reactive oxygen species including nitric oxide has been found to be involved in all endothelial functions and may provide a common link which at present can be supported only in animal studies.